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If you follow me on Twitter, you will know that I am a true fan of Curtis Jones. Scouse’s young midfielder has quick feet, fantastic technical ability, and the self-assurance to step onto the pitch with one of the best teams in the world and just … belong.
Liverpool entered the game against Leicester City in a bind. Jordan Henderson was injured while on international duty with England, and Thiago was still not fit enough to participate as well. Additionally, Fabinho and James Milner were needed to fill roles in the defensive unit, meaning there was a shortage of midfielders for Jurgen Klopp to choose from.
While Curtis Jones may have been given a starting role by default, he certainly didn’t look like a 19-year-old having an emergency start against the best team on the table. The local boy gave a tactics masterclass.
Jones was barely wrong the entire game, which was impressive considering he has 86 touches during the game. That was the tallest of all the midfielders and the fourth tallest on the team – the three players ahead of him were defenders. He was always moving into positions to receive the ball, whether it was going deep as an option for defenders or racing to attack position.
While Jones had many brilliant moments, his ability to make the right decision at the right time was probably the most impressive aspect of his game. Jones always seemed to be positive with his possession and movement if the option was there, but he never forced anything. Head high as he received the ball, he made quick decisions whether to split the defense or recycle possession. He finished the game with a pass completion rate of nearly 92% on 72 passes.
Young Curtis was equally impressive on the defensive side of things. The highlight will be his lung-busting recovery run to come back and make a key entry to Jamie Vardy to put down a counterattack. He also did a lot of tactical defense in the second half, supporting young Neco Willimas as the Welshman entered the game as a right back.
With Liverpool playing twice a week until January 2 (12 games!), Curtis Jones should have several more chances to impress. Thiago could return this week, and Jordan Henderson could return in other weeks, but Naby Keita is injured once again. Jones should have a chance to show he’s ready to become a regular in Klopp’s rotation and solidify himself in the team’s plans for the future.
